Lakeland
Growing field of Lakeland candidates offer voters differing styles, viewpoints
Lakeland Commissioner Connie McCarter has entered the mayor’s race against incumbent Josh Roman, offering a contrast of style and direction of government.
Michael Waddell
Michael Waddell is a native Memphian with more than 20 years of professional writing and editorial experience, working most recently with The Daily News and High Ground News.
There are 1411 articles by Michael Waddell :
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August 2026
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LakelandLakeland mulls overlay district for undeveloped land on U.S. 70
Lakeland officials want control over future development in the U.S. 70 corridor so that growing neighborhoods can exist smoothly with commercial development.
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ElectionsNew candidate enters Lakeland mayor’s race
The move potentially provides opposition for incumbent Mayor Josh Roman in the suburb’s general election.
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SuburbsIncumbent school board candidates see challenges amid state policy concerns
With new four-year terms secured, several suburban school board members are focusing on the future of the municipal districts and hoping for fewer demands from the state.
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ArlingtonArlington pickleball, tennis expansion could open by next summer
The second and final phase of the the Arlington Tennis Center expansion is set to begin, adding more sourts and parking.
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2026 elections
ElectionsBiggs wins big in Arlington, other incumbents win unopposed
Incumbent Alderman Jeremy Biggs won his third term in Position 6 on the Arlington Board of Mayor and Aldermen in town’s only contested race Thursday, Aug. 6.
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SuburbsSuburban school districts’ first kindergartners prepare for their senior year
When the suburban school districts started classes in 2014, it was a huge shift in local education. Now the districts are preparing to graduate students who began at their schools as kindergartners.
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2026 Elections
ElectionsArlington election preview: Five of the six races are unopposed
While there are six races on the Arlington municipal ballot this week, only one is contested with incumbent Jeremy Biggs facing the challenge of Don Hinkle for the Position 6 alderman’s seat.
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BartlettBartlett alderman revives idea of suburbs splitting from Shelby County
Bartlett Alderman David Reaves has resurrected the idea of a new county with the suburbs splitting from Shelby to create their own county or joining adjacent ones.
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July 2026
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BusinessMemphis Escape Rooms expands to Bartlett
Memphis Escape Rooms is expanding its footprint, opening a location in Bartlett.
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LakelandDevelopment finally rolling along again at The Lake District this summer
The mixed-use project just south of the Interstate 40 and Canada Road interchange is a hive of activity as crews finish the first batch of townhomes at The Willows at the Lake.
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2026 Elections
ElectionsCandidates emerge for Bartlett aldermen seats
So far, three new challengers have pulled petitions to run against incumbents on the Bartlett Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
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Arlington Kiddie Academy in Arlington expected to get renovation, new building
Arlington and nearby Lakeland are considered childcare deserts, according to Arlington’s mayor.
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Food NewsNew Ramble owners envision ‘getaway’ in middle of Bartlett
Bartlett’s highly anticipated The Ramble on Summer restaurant and outdoor entertainment venue is expected to open mid- to late next year.
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Real Estate Lakeland’s Arcadia project was first approved in 2007. Now it’s back.
Construction could soon start on a Lakeland residential project first approved nearly two decades ago.
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SuburbsWaddell: New MLGW voting reps give stronger voice to the suburbs
“This week the suburbs accomplished something 10 years in the making — getting two official votes on the Memphis Light, Gas & Water board.”
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Bartlett Bartlett appoints voting member to MLGW board
On Tuesday, Bartlett also approved a new assistant director of finance.
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Arts & Culture Pure fantasy: Anime Blues Con combines costumes and community
Costumed attendees, also known as cosplayers, pour into the Renasant Convention Center for the annual event that blends fun and friendship.
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NeighborhoodsMerrymobiles once made magic on Memphis streets
Round, colorful Merrymobiles used to delight Mid-Southerners with frozen treats, and there’s still one you can see.
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BartlettJob ready: Some Youth Villages students get hands-on with a forklift
A group of residents at Youth Villages received training and certification in forklift operations — preparation for a potential career.
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BartlettRamble moves forward while Ragin’ Cajun may be closed for good
Construction on The Ramble on Summer in Bartlett could begin by the fall. But the future is more uncertain for Ragin’ Cajun Seafood and Po Boys, a restaurant opened by one of the people once involved in The Ramble.
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SuburbsFireworks business booming leading up to Fourth of July
There are only a couple of fireworks stands within Shelby County, but they are anticipating a booming business up until Fourth of July on Saturday.
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June 2026
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Music Latest ‘American Idol’ winner coming to Bartlett
Hannah Harper, a Missouri native, won season 24 of “American Idol” earlier this year, in part due to her original song, “String Cheese.”
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MillingtonPlans for Darana-Memphis Motorsports Park stalled until next year
The International Hot Rod Association’s 2026 schedule had included stock car races and regional team finals, the 2026 IHRA World Finals and a Nitro event.
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LakelandLakeland keeps tax rate steady, raises mayor and commissioner salaries
Lakeland elected officials will see a pay bump for the first time since 2003.
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